Job ad growth lifts in just three regions

Otago was one of only three regions to show higher job advertisement growth in November, rising 0.3% behind Bay of Plenty and Southland.

The ANZ Job Ads index fell slightly in November, down 0.1%, although the number of job ads were still at historic highs.

ANZ economic statistician Kyle Uerata said the Business Microscope survey and anecdotal evidence suggested many sectors still struggled to find skilled people to fill jobs.

Auckland had slowed to 2.2% annual growth, the lowest pace in five years, after peaking at 21% in January.

Canterbury and Wellington slowed to 5.8% and 7.9% respectively.

The West Coast led the annual index on 49.1%, Southland was 37.2% and Otago was seventh on the list with annual growth of 10.1%.

''There is plenty to ponder with recent labour demand indicators. Job ads are perched at high levels but growth rates are easing.''

Labour market data had been volatile lately. Business hiring intentions in the ANZ Business Outlook survey indicated apprehension about the business environment, Mr Uerata said.

Job ads were supported by industries associated with construction and manufacturing. Jobs in construction itself were still growing at 4% quarter on quarter and 20% annually. Job ads in manufacturing, transport and logistics were growing 6% per quarter, having increased 63% over the past two years. The retail sector offset the gains, down 1.2% for the quarter.

New Zealand was well into the current business cycle, economic growth drivers were in transition and a new government was rolling out details of pending policy changes, he said.

During times of uncertainty, timely indicators gave early signals of various economic players' response.

The Business Outlook hiring intentions fell 17 points to its lowest level in nearly seven years.

''However, there are reasons for optimism and we are maintaining a core view any near-term growth wobble won't turn into something longer lasting.''

New Zealand remained an alluring place for jobseekers, the annual World Talent Ranking 2017 report indicated. New Zealand retained its spot in the top 15 for the second straight year.

The report ranked New Zealand 15th out of 63 countries surveyed, four places higher than Australia.

European nations continued their dominance. Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium held their top three positions from last year and 11 of the top 15 were located in Europe.

The World Talent Ranking was based on a country's performance in three main categories - investment and development, appeal and readiness - from a survey of more than 6000 business executives in 63 countries.

Countries were assessed in terms of education, apprenticeships, workplace training, language skills, cost of living, remuneration, tax rates and quality of life.

The report found New Zealand fared among the best in the world in the readiness category - the availability of skills and competencies in the talent pool - placing eighth.

However, its lowest position was in investment and development, where it ranked 28th overall, outside the top 40 for pupil-teacher ratios and apprenticeships, and 39th for employee training.

Lithuania was rated the best country for women in work, with a 50/50 gender split. New Zealand was 13th at 47.38%.